Gastric ulcers in horses: symptoms, causes, and treatment

Most horse owners know that their horse needs to eat high-quality roughage regularly and can't stand for too long with an empty stomach. Many people therefore try their best to provide their horse with enough roughage to meet their natural needs. But what if your horse seems to be having stomach issues, even though the feeding regimen is in order?

What are gastric ulcers?

Horses are prone to gastric ulcers due to their small stomach. This stomach is designed to process small amounts of food throughout the day. When there is no food entering the stomach for a longer period of time (or during stress), stomach acid can damage the stomach lining.

Saliva plays a crucial role in the horse's stomach. A horse only produces saliva when chewing. So, the more a horse chews, the more saliva is produced. Saliva contains sodium bicarbonate, which acts protectively on the stomach lining.

A gastric ulcer is a wound in the stomach lining, where the stomach wall is damaged by stomach acid. The stomach wall and the lining protect the stomach, and when they are damaged, a painful spot is created that is difficult to heal.

Symptoms of gastric ulcers

A horse is a flight animal and does not easily show when it is feeling unwell. After all, the weakest animal in a herd gets eaten! If you observe your horse closely, there are a few things to look out for. When a horse has stomach problems, the symptoms are often a bit vague, making it extra challenging.

Symptoms of gastric ulcers can include:

• Girthiness or sensitivity on the flanks and belly when grooming
• Weight loss
• Dull coat
• Poor appetite or playing with food
• Lethargy, decreased performance, unwillingness to work
• Moving lips or tongue a lot, grinding teeth, yawning
• Diarrhea or mild colic symptoms
• Cribbing, licking metal or wood, windsucking
• Nervous or even aggressive behavior
• Long recovery period after exercise

To determine if your horse has gastric ulcers, a veterinarian must perform an endoscopy. They will insert a small camera through your horse's nose into the stomach to check for ulcers. Gastric ulcers are usually found in the upper part of the stomach, but ulcers can also be found at the junction to the small intestine. Small spots are common, as well as irritation of the stomach lining without actual ulcers, known as stomach wall erosion.

Causes of gastric ulcers

One of the most common causes of gastric issues in horses is insufficient roughage or prolonged periods without eating. Horses should ideally be able to eat roughage in small portions throughout the day. While this may not be practical everywhere, it is wise to offer your horse good roughage several times a day. If your horse tends to eat quickly, a hay net or slow feeder is a good idea. Other causes of gastric ulcers can include: heavy work (especially in racehorses), certain underlying diseases, certain medications, excessive concentrate feed, and chronic stress.

Treating gastric ulcers

If you suspect a gastric ulcer, it is important to review the diet immediately. Is your horse eating enough and throughout the day? Is the concentrate feed distributed in portions throughout the day, and could this amount possibly be reduced?

It is also important to determine if your horse is experiencing stress. Acute stress from moving or changes in herd composition is often easy to identify. However, chronic stress due to incorrect housing, nutrition, or physical discomfort can be more difficult to figure out.

If a gastric ulcer is suspected, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian. They will provide advice on further treatment.

Supplements for gastric ulcers

There are various supplements on the market to support your horse with a gastric ulcer. The main component should be calcium, which neutralizes stomach acid to prevent further damage to the stomach. Supplements often also contain magnesium for its calming and soothing effects. Calming herbs and/or gastrointestinal-supporting herbs can also be added. Consider using triphala, an ancient herb that is very effective for horses with a sensitive stomach.

When dealing with gastric ulcers, it is important to check the horse's diet and living conditions and potentially make changes. Stress is the biggest contributor to gastric ulcers.

Preventing gastric ulcers

• Ensure an adequate supply of roughage, well distributed throughout the day. Horses should not go without eating for longer than 4 hours.

• Feed roughage before concentrate feed. This slows down passage through the stomach.

• Provide the horse with roughage or a nutritious mix before training.

• Do not overfeed the horse before training!

• Avoid (chronic) stress